• Trump's decision to attack Iran was influenced by Netanyahu's argument just prior to the strike.
• A phone call highlighted an intelligence window that made Khamenei vulnerable to attack.
• The military operation aimed to dismantle Iran's missile capacity and influence in the region.
• The operation, dubbed "Epic Fury," commenced on February 28, resulting in Khamenei's death.
• Hotlines increased tensions in the energy sector and have ramifications beyond military action.

In a pivotal phone call less than 48 hours before the US-Israel strike on Iran, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu successfully convinced President Donald Trump about the necessity of a military operation aimed at Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The discussions focused on a unique opportunity created by the imminent meeting of Khamenei and his top aides, rendering them susceptible to a "decapitation strike," a tactic frequently employed by Israeli forces but less commonly by the United States. New intelligence indicated the meeting had been moved up, making them more vulnerable than previously anticipated, according to Reuters, South China Morning Post, and India Times.

Netanyahu argued that this moment represented perhaps the best chance to avenge past Iranian efforts against Trump, including a noted murder-for-hire plot purportedly orchestrated by Iran in 2024. By that time, Trump had already authorized a military operation against Iran but had yet to finalize the details concerning its execution. Administration insiders believed: "it was just a matter of timing," especially after the U.S. military had reinforced its presence in the region. However, a planned earlier attack had been postponed due to adverse weather conditions, as reported by Reuters, South China Morning Post, and India Times.

The conversation between Trump and Netanyahu was viewed as a critical point; it allegedly prompted Trump to finalize his decision on February 27 to proceed with Operation Epic Fury. Netanyahu framed the operation as not just a strike against Khamenei but an opportunity to destabilize the Iranian regime, which has long been regarded as a source of global terrorism. He suggested that this attack could possibly instigate internal unrest within Iran, encouraging citizens to challenge the ruling theocratic regime. The first bombs fell early on February 28, with Trump declaring Khamenei's death that evening, according to Reuters, South China Morning Post, and India Times.

In response to inquiries, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly referred to the operation's objectives, emphasizing the aim to dismantle Iran's missile capabilities and military sway. This military strike has not only intensified tensions in the region but has also stirred concerns over energy supply, given the volatile implications. Mocking the notion that Israel coerced the U.S. into military action, Netanyahu asserted that "no one can tell President Trump what to do," reiterating the president's claim that the decision to strike was autonomous on his part, as referenced by Reuters, South China Morning Post, and India Times.